Delhi Assembly passes anti-corruption Janlokpal Bill

New Delhi: Delhi Assembly yesterday passed the Janlokpal Bill, incorporating suggestions of Anna Hazare, which provides for an ombudsman with powers to act against any government functionary including those of the Centre even as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal warned the NDA dispensation against any move to put a spanner on making it a law.

Kejriwal termed it as a 'historic moment' for the Janlokpal movement and offered his tribute to veteran activist Hazare recounting his days with the 2011 India Against Corruption (IAC) movement. The bill received 64 votes in its favour in the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

Reacting to allegations that the bill was a diluted version of the one that was tabled in 2014, Kejriwal wondered whether BJP or Congress-ruled states would be able to pass any such legislation.

"Few people are saying it's weak. So try and pass a weak law only in BJP or Congress ruled-states. If Centre does not approve the bill than we will have to bend our fingers and BJP will face the same situation like Congress", he said.

As per the changes, there will be a provision for one more high court judge, one eminent person and one former chairperson in the selection panel of Janlokpal. While the impeachment process for removal will begin only after a higher court monitored probe of any allegation against the Lokpal.